‘Pointless’ – Charlton caretaker boss Anthony Hayes on January transfer window and key to next managerial appointment
Anthony Hayes says it would be “pointless” for him to outline the areas Charlton Athletic need to strengthen as he will not be in charge in January.
The Irishman was appointed in a caretaker role after the dismissal of Ben Garner earlier this month.
Talk of Charlton Athletic being under a new regime soon has also clouded the managerial search, with some candidates thought to be more keen if current owner Thomas Sandgaard is no longer at the helm.
Hayes is set to have his third game bossing the side when they host Brighton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
Asked about what Charlton require in the January window, Hayes told the South London Press: “It’s probably pointless me answering that question because it won’t be me that will be shaping this group of players going into the new year, in terms of incomings and outgoings.
“A permanent appointment is needed and I’m sure a manager, whoever that will be, will have an idea from the outside on this group of players. He will have an idea of what areas he wants to strengthen and I’m sure he will have targets in mind going into the window.”
The Addicks are languishing in the lower regions of League One and the 2-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers on Saturday leaves them bottom of the form guide over the last six matches, taking two points from a possible 18.
So does Hayes think a shake-up of the playing squad is required?
“Ultimately we’ve got some big characters out through injury,” he said. “You look at people like Mandela Egbo, Jojo Wollacott and Eoghan O’Connell – they are big losses to us on the grass.
Picture : Keith Gillard
“We’re short in areas. I don’t think it needs a rocket scientist to tell us that. There will be areas that need a little bit of reinforcing.
“The most important thing is the football club. A permanent appointment is what is right for the football club. I’ve been given the task to, if you like, steady the ship in this interim period. The results in the two games I have taken have been negative.
“On Saturday there were plenty of positives but ultimately what needs to happen is a manager needs to be appointed so plans can take place going into January and for the remainder of this season.”
Asked by the South London Press whether the challenge required an experienced boss, Hayes replied: “Consistency is what is needed. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old. People will probably want me to have a few more grey hairs. I haven’t played the game professionally.
“But this narrative is something I don’t believe in. That’s not only because of my own experiences coming through two wonderful environments, Brentford and Charlton ‘s academy before making the step up to the first team. There’s also plenty of good examples of young coaches and even experienced coaches who haven’t played the game at the highest level who are sitting at Europe’s top tables. It is about being consistent in how we want to play.
“At the minute, as a group, we need to find a way to win. Winning breeds confidence. But we have to be consistent in what that looks like. It can’t just change game to game or you’re never going to develop a style or something that can be sustainable over a longer period, which is something a club like Charlton needs.”
MAIN PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS
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This current squad of players should be performing far better than it is, no matter who the manager is. On Saturday, we did see glimpses in the first half an hour of what this squad SHOULD be producing, albeit, we could not find the net often enough. Unfortunately, the goal scorer then becomes provider for the opposition, something that should never have happened. This was the other problem facing Charlton – mistakes at the back when it was looking to be a relatively comfortable afternoon. The squad needs strengthening, particularly up front and it has to be done sooner rather than later or else the unthinkable could happen. However, it is so tight in the middle of the table, that 3 wins could propel the side into the top half. Fingers out boys and start performing before it is too late.
I agree with im n all on ere.
The squad reshuffle certainly has negative and positive sides, but all of that must have confirmed the risks of what will happen